More and more young people are taking a year out of their busy careers and opting to do some solo travel, which brings you the kind of experience that money just cannot buy. If you have the time to explore foreign lands, here are a few top tips from solo travel pros.
- Book your hotel online– Whether you are booking Hotels in Namba Osaka (โรงแรมโอซาก้านัมบะ) or a suite in Sydney Harbour, the best deals are always found online. Some solo travellers use the major online hotel booking platforms, while others report lower rates if they book directly via the hotel’s website.
- Wear a money belt– This is an old trick; wear a money belt and keep your cash, travel cheques, passport and travel insurance documentation safe. Wear it around your waist, under your clothing, and you will never become a victim of the smart pickpocket gangs that frequent busy places.
- Travelling in remote regions – It is always a good idea to let a friend or family member know that you are about to enter a remote area and give them your expected return date. In the event you do not make contact, they can start the process of informing the emergency authorities. Another tip is not to arrive at a strange place late at night. It is better to arrive in daylight, which gives you time to find a local hotel. If you suddenly find you have a signal, send a text message to someone to let them know you are fine.
- Carry a whistle – If you wear a loud whistle around your neck, you can alert people if you are in trouble; the loud shrieking sound is enough to make any attacker/assailant panic and leave. Some females carry pepper spray, which may or may not be legal, which does bring a sense of self-protection.
- Roll your clothes – Most young travellers know that rolling your clothes allows you to take more in your luggage/backpack. If you are booking a hotel room near Terminal 21 in Bangkok, you can spend an hour rolling your garments to save valuable space. There are some free resources online to help you with packing for adventure travel, which minimises what you actually take.
- Use online resources – If, for example, you are planning to do a solo run through a remote region, you can post on travel sites and look for a short-term travel buddy. There are some great digital platforms specifically designed for solo travellers who are looking for travel companions. Aside from booking flights and hotels, you can also use the Internet to get essential information to help you plan your trip.
People like to travel alone because they have complete freedom with where they go and how long they stay, and whether you are headed for Japan or Thailand, a solo trip keeps things flexible.
